**Wales Face Critical Selection Decisions Ahead of Japan Rugby Tour**
As Wales prepare for their summer tour to Japan, the true scale of the challenge now facing the squad and coaching staff is coming sharply into focus. The traditional practice of using tours that coincide with the British & Irish Lions’ southern hemisphere campaigns to blood new talent and build squad depth may not be an option for the men in red this year, as recent results have left little room for experimentation.
Unlike past cycles — such as 2009, 2013, and 2017 — when Wales introduced future stars during tours against teams like Canada, the USA, Samoa, and Tonga while the Lions were abroad, there is a distinct sense that the luxury of development for its own sake no longer exists. The backdrop is stark: Wales are reeling from a second consecutive wooden spoon in the Six Nations and are currently enduring the ignominy of a 17-match losing streak in full Test matches. This series of setbacks has placed severe pressure on both the squad and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to restore not only pride but also the nation’s rugby reputation.
Consequently, the omission of all but two Welshmen—Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams—from Andy Farrell’s 2025 Lions selection has not raised eyebrows. Instead, it reflects a sobering assessment of where Welsh rugby currently stands. The need for a significant response on the Japan tour outweighs hopes of building depth alone; securing wins has become paramount to re-establishing credibility and halting the downward spiral.
The importance of fielding Wales’ strongest possible side is heightened by broader considerations, not least the world rankings. Currently placed just above Japan at 12th, any defeat in the Land of the Rising Sun could have far-reaching implications, especially with the pool draw for the Rugby World Cup looming. A slip in the rankings could saddle Wales with a tougher group in the next global tournament, intensifying the urgency for results over development.
Although interim head coach Matt Sherratt, expected to carry on in his role for the tour, might offer places to a few emerging talents, the emphasis is expected to be on experience and reliability. Players such as Dewi Lake and Taulupe Faletau, who narrowly missed out on Lions selection, have another incentive to make the trip: they could be drafted into the Lions squad should injuries occur. Emerging prospects like Morgan Morse, Macs Page, and James Fender may still travel for the experience, but the expectation is for seasoned internationals to lead the fight.
There are debates in Welsh rugby circles over whether to entice dual-qualified stars such as Kane James, an Exeter Chiefs backrower with England U20s credentials, to switch allegiances. Given Wales’ pressing need for fresh talent, such moves are seen as a potential boost, though they are unlikely to be the main story this summer.
The return of frontline figures like Archie Griffin at tighthead prop and Adam Beard in the second row is widely anticipated. The back row, as always, provides no shortage of riches, with Faletau, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright, and others expected to feature strongly. Meanwhile, the battle for the coveted fly-half jersey could see the experienced Gareth Anscombe guiding younger options like Dan Edwards and Sam Costelow — a balance that may be vital to short-term results and long-term growth alike.
The back line too remains an area of interest, as talented players such as Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, and Cam Winnett — overlooked for the Six Nations but outstanding for Cardiff — look to cement their places amid a competitive field.
While calls remain to consider the future and blood new talent, the prevailing sentiment is that Wales simply cannot afford to gamble. The idea of sending a weakened squad, even against a tier-two nation, now seems unthinkable. Every decision old and new faces, is rooted in the imperative to end the cycle of defeat and stabilise Welsh rugby’s standing on the global stage.
The upcoming tour to Japan, then, represents far more than just an opportunity for match experience; it could well be a defining moment for a proud rugby nation struggling to find its footing once more. The spotlight will be firmly fixed on both players and coaches to deliver not just improvement — but results.